Latest news with #BritishExpeditionaryForce
Techday NZ
23-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
New Zealand's place in global cyber defence - From medieval knights to cybercriminals
During World War I, the British Expeditionary Force was the first military unit to cross the English Channel. This highly trained army featuring cavalry armed with lances, sabres, and rifles was the last reminder of medieval warfare. They were quickly brought low by machine guns, barbed wire and trenches. By the time the war ended, a mere 13 years after the invention of flight, the skies were filled with fighter planes. Conflict quickly reveals what works and what doesn't. In 2025, global instability has reshaped the battlefield once again. This time, it's digital. The rise of digital guerilla warfare We are witnessing a new kind of conflict: digital guerrilla war. This is where decentralised cybercriminal groups are being funded by shadowy nation states to carry out cyber-attacks. These hidden attackers "live off the land" by using legitimate tools to infiltrate systems and strike when least expected. Government entities are frequent targets, but private and listed companies are just as vulnerable. A major attack on them wouldn't just impact businesses, it could affect national stability and disrupt the economy. New Zealand, like the rest of the world, is locked in a cyber battle where threats can come from anywhere, at any time. Today, the front line is everywhere. This might sound excessive and overdramatic, but that's the reality all business leaders need to understand. A key concept in cyber security is that the investment to prevent harm should be in proportion to the needs of the business. But for many businesses, simple technology choices supported by people and processes are enough to mitigate most threats. But some organisations play integral roles in society and we can't afford for them not have the best security procedures in place. The Government must lead on critical infrastructure Critical infrastructure faces a much bigger threat. Last year, the United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), found proof that a state backed cyber security group, Volt Typhoon, had secretly infiltrated critical infrastructure providers across the Western world. Their goal? To cause disruption at a key moment. Another group, backed by the same nation-state, Salt Typhoon, has infiltrated nine major U.S. telecoms, accessing call data, text messages, and even recordings of prominent national leaders. New Zealanders have a right to know that our infrastructure is being protected, and that the government is investing in national cyber defence before disaster strikes. Cyber threats are no longer just a business problem; they're a national security issue. Is New Zealand doing enough to protect its critical infrastructure? Right now, the answer is no. We're at risk of falling behind. In late 2024, Australia passed sweeping cybersecurity legislation to harden national defences. The new laws require industries to uphold high security standards and give the government powers to intervene in the event of a serious breach. These reforms came in the wake of a string of devastating cyber incidents, including major data breaches at Medibank, Optus, and Latitude Finance in 2022 and 2023. The Latitude breach alone became the second largest in Australian history and the most damaging for citizens. It was also New Zealand's largest-ever data breach, exposing the personal information of 20% of our population. Australia has been put serious effort into building its cyber posture at a national level, with a vision of being a global leader in cybersecurity by 2030. In a world reliant on digital infrastructure, this will be a key competitive advantage. New Zealand has the chance to tell the same story, but only if we act soon. That's why we need the government to enact legislation that will protect our country and people. I appreciate developing legislation is not trivial, but the template has been created in Australia and it's in everyone's interest to reflect that over here. This will require some businesses to invest more to become compliant, but that's the point, that we all incur comparable costs to achieve a common standard. Cyber security is complex to understand. Humans evolved to recognise that a warrior charging at you is a threat, not a remote network of industrialised guerilla fighters with keyboards, backed by nations hiding their true intent. New Zealand must not wait until we're reacting to disaster. We need a nationally unified, proactive cyber defence to protect our people, businesses, and critical systems before it's too late.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chamberlain hoped to ‘avoid worst' as Second World War loomed
Neville Chamberlain wrote 'I still hope we may avoid the worst' six days before the start of the Second World War, a letter has revealed. The former prime minister is infamous for his failed appeasement policy, which saw him offer Adolf Hitler numerous concessions to try to avoid war. Now a newly discovered letter suggests he clung on to the hope his strategy would pay off up until the moment Germany invaded Poland on Sept 1 1939. Writing to Captain William Brass, the Conservative MP, on Aug 26 1939, he said: 'I still hope we may avoid the worst, but if it comes we are thank God prepared for it.' Chamberlain's confidence in Britain's readiness for war would prove to be misplaced as within nine months the Nazis had captured swathes of Europe. More than 330,000 British Expeditionary Force troops had to be hastily evacuated at Dunkirk between May 26 and June 4 1940, to enable Britain to 'fight another day'. The day before Chamberlain's hopeful note, however, Britain had signed the Anglo-Polish military alliance, promising to support Poland if its independence was threatened. Hitler had originally scheduled his invasion of Poland for Aug 26, but when news of the Anglo-Polish pact reached Berlin, he temporarily postponed the attack by six days. Chamberlain's policy of appeasement saw Britain make no response to Hitler's annexation of Austria in March 1938, a move Winston Churchill warned at the time was a mistake. During a speech in the House of Commons, Churchill said: 'The gravity of the annexation of Austria cannot be exaggerated.' Hitler quickly moved on to trying to control the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia, and by Sept 1928 Chamberlain had flown to Hitler's holiday home to negotiate in person, to no avail. Chamberlain said at the time: 'How horrible, fantastic, incredible it is that we should be digging trenches and trying on gas-masks here because of a quarrel in a far away country between people of whom we know nothing.' The Munich agreement saw Chamberlain sign over the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia to Germany from Oct 1 1938, in exchange for Hitler giving up on plans for further expansion across Europe. Churchill called it a 'total and unmitigated defeat' and it failed to stop Nazi Germany annexing more Czech land, including Prague, and launching an invasion of Poland – which finally sparked war. Chamberlain lost the confidence of Parliament and resigned as prime minister in May 1940, when Churchill stepped up to lead the nation. The one-page letter, on 10 Downing Street letterhead and dated Aug 26 1939, has emerged for sale at RR Auction in Boston, US. It is tipped to fetch $20,000 (£15,000) because of its historical significance. An RR Auction spokesman said: 'Behind the scenes, British diplomats were still scrambling to avert war. Chamberlain hoped that deterrence, through strong alliances and military mobilisation, might still dissuade Hitler. 'At the same time, Britain was accelerating preparations – air raid precautions were being implemented across cities, reservists were being called up, and public morale was being steeled for the possibility of conflict. 'Thus Britain found itself in a state of grim resolve: committed to defending Poland, preparing for war, yet still clinging to fragile hopes that Hitler might yet be deterred. 'Within a week, however, those hopes would be extinguished as Germany launched its invasion of Poland on September 1.' The sale takes place on Wednesday. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Chamberlain hoped to ‘avoid worst' as Second World War loomed
Neville Chamberlain wrote 'I still hope we may avoid the worst' six days before the start of the Second World War, a letter has revealed. The former prime minister is infamous for his failed appeasement policy, which saw him offer Adolf Hitler numerous concessions to try to avoid war. Now a newly discovered letter suggests he clung on to the hope his strategy would pay off up until the moment Germany invaded Poland on Sept 1 1939. Writing to Captain William Brass, the Conservative MP, on Aug 26 1939, he said: 'I still hope we may avoid the worst, but if it comes we are thank God prepared for it.' Chamberlain's confidence in Britain's readiness for war would prove to be misplaced as within nine months the Nazis had captured swathes of Europe. More than 330,000 British Expeditionary Force troops had to be hastily evacuated at Dunkirk between May 26 and June 4 1940, to enable Britain to 'fight another day'. The day before Chamberlain 's hopeful note, however, Britain had signed the Anglo-Polish military alliance, promising to support Poland if its independence was threatened. Hitler had originally scheduled his invasion of Poland for Aug 26, but when news of the Anglo-Polish pact reached Berlin, he temporarily postponed the attack by six days. Chamberlain's policy of appeasement saw Britain make no response to Hitler's annexation of Austria in March 1938, a move Winston Churchill warned at the time was a mistake. During a speech in the House of Commons, Churchill said: 'The gravity of the annexation of Austria cannot be exaggerated.' 'Total and unmitigated defeat' Hitler quickly moved on to trying to control the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia, and by Sept 1928 Chamberlain had flown to Hitler's holiday home to negotiate in person, to no avail. Chamberlain said at the time: 'How horrible, fantastic, incredible it is that we should be digging trenches and trying on gas-masks here because of a quarrel in a far away country between people of whom we know nothing.' The Munich agreement saw Chamberlain sign over the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia to Germany from Oct 1 1938, in exchange for Hitler giving up on plans for further expansion across Europe. Churchill called it a 'total and unmitigated defeat' and it failed to stop Nazi Germany annexing more Czech land, including Prague, and launching an invasion of Poland – which finally sparked war. Chamberlain lost the confidence of Parliament and resigned as prime minister in May 1940, when Churchill stepped up to lead the nation. The one-page letter, on 10 Downing Street letterhead and dated Aug 26 1939, has emerged for sale at RR Auction in Boston, US. It is tipped to fetch $20,000 (£15,000) because of its historical significance. An RR Auction spokesman said: 'Behind the scenes, British diplomats were still scrambling to avert war. Chamberlain hoped that deterrence, through strong alliances and military mobilisation, might still dissuade Hitler. 'At the same time, Britain was accelerating preparations – air raid precautions were being implemented across cities, reservists were being called up, and public morale was being steeled for the possibility of conflict. 'Thus Britain found itself in a state of grim resolve: committed to defending Poland, preparing for war, yet still clinging to fragile hopes that Hitler might yet be deterred. 'Within a week, however, those hopes would be extinguished as Germany launched its invasion of Poland on September 1.' The sale takes place on Wednesday.
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First Post
04-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
History Today: When the evacuation at Dunkirk during World War II came to an end
More than 338,000 soldiers of the Allied Forces were evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk in France on June 4, 1940, making this one of the biggest evacuation missions during the war. The soldiers had been cornered on the beaches of Dunkirk in France after the German forces rapidly advanced. On this day in 1917, the first Pulitzer Prizes were awarded in the categories of journalism, letters and drama read more Troops of the British Expeditionary Force landed from a destroyer at a British Port on June 1, 1940 after being evacuated following heroic fighting from Flanders. File image/AP One of the biggest evacuation missions during World War II, the Evacuation at Dunkirk, came to an end on June 4, 1940. More than 338,000 Allied soldiers were rescued from the beaches of Dunkirk in France, while under heavy German bombardment during World War II. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this day in 1917, the first Pulitzer Prizes were awarded, marking a transformative moment in the history of American journalism, literature and public service. Here is all that happened on this day. The evacuation at Dunkirk came to an end One of the momentous events took place on June 4, 1940, with the conclusion of the evacuation at Dunkirk during World War II . More than 338,000 British, French and Belgian troops were rescued from the advancing German forces who had rapidly pushed them to the French coast. The German forces were closing in on the Allied soldiers in France, forcing the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) and its counterparts towards the English Channel. Dunkirk was the last viable port for evacuation and the situation appeared dire. Facing the prospect of destruction, the British military launched a desperate Operation Dynamo on May 26, 1940, using Royal Navy vessels and a flotilla of over 800 civilian boats, ranging from fishing trawlers to pleasure yachts, collectively known as the 'Little Ships of Dunkirk.' Destroyers filled with evacuated British troops berthing at Dover on May 31, 1940. Wikimedia Commons Despite intense aerial bombardment from the Luftwaffe and constant threat from German artillery, the evacuation continued day and night. The weather, with low cloud cover and smoke from the burning town providing some concealment, also aided the operation. By June 4, the last of the rear-guard British and French troops were evacuated. Although around 40,000 Allied troops were left behind and captured, the success of Operation Dynamo allowed Britain to retain a significant portion of its army, bolstering national morale at a crucial moment. Prime Minister Winston Churchil l famously tempered the celebration with caution, reminding the nation, 'Wars are not won by evacuations,' while still hailing the event as a 'miracle of deliverance.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD First Pulitzer Prizes were awarded June 4, 1917, is one of the turning points in American journalism as the first Pulitzer Prizes were awarded . The awards were organised through the will of a Hungarian-born newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer, in a bid to elevate the standards of journalism and literature. Pulitzer, known for his innovative approaches at the New York World and St. Louis Post-Dispatch, had long advocated for higher education in journalism. His will, which set aside funds for a school of journalism at Columbia University and for the prizes, specified categories for journalism, letters and drama. The initial awards in 1917 recognized works published in 1916. While there were ambitious plans for several categories, some prizes, such as for a novel and drama, were not awarded that first year due to insufficient entries or a lack of works deemed worthy by the juries. A sign for the Pulitzer prize is shown at the Columbia University in New York in 2019. File image/AP The very first Public Service Prize in journalism went to the New York Times for its comprehensive and courageous coverage of World War I. In the Letters and Drama division, the first Pulitzer for History was awarded to Jean Jules Jusserand, the French ambassador to the US, for his book 'With Americans of Past and Present Days'. Interestingly, the award for the Novel category was not presented in 1917, as no submission was deemed worthy that year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Joseph Pulitzer had envisioned the awards as a way to uplift the standards of journalism and to promote public accountability. This Day, That Year On this day in 1970, the Kingdom of Tonga achieved independence within the British Commonwealth. The world's first shopping carts were introduced at Humpty Dumpty grocery stores in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1937. On this day in 1783, Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier launched an uncrewed hot-air balloon, the first public demonstration of the discovery that hot air in a large lightweight bag rises. With inputs from agencies
IOL News
26-05-2025
- IOL News
Looking back: A seismic election changes SA politics forever, the 'Miracle of Dunkirk, and black South African on top of the world
Sibusiso Vilane at the summit of Mount Aconcagua in the Andes, the highest mountain in the Americas, in 2005. Vilane will soon be the first African to complete the Three Poles Challenge " having reached the North Pole, South Pole, and Mount Everest. Sibusiso Vilane at the summit of Mount Aconcagua in the Andes, the highest mountain in the Americas, in 2005. Vilane will soon be the first African to complete the Three Poles Challenge " having reached the North Pole, South Pole, and Mount Everest. 1872 During a 'terrific gale', seven ships are wrecked, with the loss of 10 lives, at the Buffalo River, East London. 1878 Interpretive dancer Isadora Duncan is born in San Francisco. She revolutionised the entire concept of dance by developing a free-form style and rebelled against tradition, performing barefoot in a loose fitting tunic. She experienced worldwide acclaim as well as personal tragedy. Her two children drowned, her marriage failed, and she met a bizarre death in 1927 when a scarf she was wearing caught in the wheel of the open car in which she was riding, strangling her1908 The first big commercial oil strike in the Middle East is made in Persia (Iran). 1940 The Dunkirk evacuation is begun to save the British Expeditionary Force trapped by advancing German armies on the northern coast of France. Boats and vessels of all shapes and sizes ferried 200 000 British and 140 000 French and Belgian soldiers across the English Channel by June 2. 1948 The Herenigde Nasionale Party pulls off a surprise general election win which will change the landscape of South Africa. 1961 A US Hustler bomber crosses the Atlantic in about 3 hours, twice as fast as an airliner. 1991 Major-General Ken van der Spuy, veteran of both world wars, as well as the Russian Civil War, dies aged 99. He was South Africa's first qualified military pilot and the first South African Air Force pilot. 2003 Sibusiso Vilane, 32, is the first Black South African to summit Mount Everest. 2004 The New York Times publishes admission of journalistic failings, claims its flawed reporting and lack of scepticism during buildup to 2003 Iraq War helped promote belief that Iraq possessed large stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction. 2018 Real Madrid beat Liverpool for their third straight Champions League title. Manager Zinédine Zidane becomes the first to win 3 consecutive titles. 2019 Nine climbers die in a week on Mount Everest after overcrowding leads to queues. 2021 Amazon says it will buy 97-year-old film and TV studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for $8.45 billion. DAILY NEWS
